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Obizzo II d'Este (c. 1247 – 13 February 1293) was Marquis ofFerrara andAncona.
He was abastard, the illegitimate son ofRinaldo I d'Este – the only son and heir of the MargraveAzzo VII d'Este – and a Neapolitan laundress.[1][2] Soon after his birth, Obizzo was expelled fromFerrara with his mother and settled inRavenna.
For his birth, Obizzo was destined to an obscure future. Nevertheless, this situation changed in 1251 when his father Rinaldo, a hostage of emperorFrederick II since 1238, was poisoned with his barren wife, Adelaide da Romano. Without any other sons to continue his line, the Margrave Azzo VII saw in Obizzo the only chance of survival of theHouse of Este and fought for his recognition as his heir. Obizzo was legitimated by thePope Innocent IV in 1252, shortly after his mother was drowned in theAdriatic.[citation needed]
In 1264 he was proclaimed lifelong ruler of Ferrara, Lord ofModena in 1288 and ofReggio in 1289. His rule marked the end of the communal period in Ferrara and the beginning of the Lordship, which lasted until the 17th century.
He was most likely killed by his sonAzzo VIII d'Este without having nominated an heir. Azzo claimed the government as the eldest son (primogeniture) but his brothersAldobrandino and Francesco made a violent dispute for their rights. Finally, they made a divisionary treaty over the lands: Azzo retainedFerrara, Aldobrandino received Modena and Francesco obtainedReggio Emilia.
Obizzo d'Este iscited in Dante'sInferno and is in the first compartment of the Seventh Circle of Hell for purchasing Ghisola from her brother Venedico Cacciamenico for sexual relations.
Parents: Rinaldo I d'Este (d.1251) and Adelaida di Romano (1212-1251)Grandparents: Azzo VII d'Este (1205-1264),Giovanna Aldobrandeschi (1208-1233) and Alberigo di Romano (1196-1260)
Spouse:In 1263 Obizzo married firstly with Giacomina (died December 1287), daughter of Niccolò Fieschi di Lavagna and niece ofPope Adrian V. They had five children:
In 1289 Obizzo married secondly with Costanza (died 1306), daughter ofAlberto I della Scala, Lord ofVerona. This union was childless.
| Preceded by | Ruler of Ferrara 1264–1293 | Succeeded by |
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